Alternative to A+

Similar to a number of other people on this board I am currently transitioning to the IT field.

From what I've read my best shot at breaking in is with a "help desk" type role. Every post I see for these positions requires "A+ certification or comparable experience." Since I don't have the experience I need the cert but the thought of dropping $300 to basically certify that my brain works isn't terribly appealing.

Are there any certs I could pursue as an A+ replacement that either aren't as basic or aren't so expensive?

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Chris:/*

The only caveat to the that is if you are attempting to get a government job the Sec+ or equivalent may be required for the position.

badboyeee

Chris:/* wrote: »

The only caveat to the that is if you are attempting to get a government job the Sec+ or equivalent may be required for the position.

Also heard you have to renew every 3 years anyway.. correct me if im wrong

Mike-Mike

I think A+ is a solid idea... I'm going to cram in Security+ since I already have A+, but I would think any job that requires Security+ would most likely make you get the more recent cert instead of the lifetime one... pure speculation on my part, but makes sense to me...

anyhow, good luck

kurosaki00

I'm studying for 70-680 right now and I didnt know MS client certs alone can help you with support jobs that much
thats helpful to know since im looking for a better job than current one

Chris:/*

badboyeee wrote: »

Also heard you have to renew every 3 years anyway.. correct me if im wrong

You can either renew it by taking a test or by completing continuing education requirements and paying the fee. If you complete it this year it is lifetime and then you can enroll in the renewal program for the separate certification. CompTIA stated you will keep your lifetime cert and be able to have a renewable one.

Now I do not know if anyone other than the government is going to care if you have a renewable CompTIA certification. For years no one has cared until 8570.1M came along which mandated ISO compliance for its management and tech certification levels. Remember the trio is for foundational entry level knowledge which means "you know the basics so we can skip that."

badboyeee

Chris:/* wrote: »

You can either renew it by taking a test or by completing continuing education requirements and paying the fee. If you complete it this year it is lifetime and then you can enroll in the renewal program for the separate certification. CompTIA stated you will keep your lifetime cert and be able to have a renewable one.

Thanks for the info. May I get more information on what the "continuing educations requirements" are and what the "renewal program for the separate certification" is? Is there a link out there?

Chris:/*

badboyeee wrote: »

Thanks for the info. May I get more information on what the "continuing educations requirements" are and what the "renewal program for the separate certification" is? Is there a link out there?

CompTIA Certification Renewal Policy

As requested.